J Natl Med Assoc
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Comparative Study
The Epidemiology of Infant Mortality in the Greater Newark, New Jersey Area: A New Look at an Old Problem.
This research had institutional review board approval from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. IRB #0120110286 BACKGROUND: The death rate during the first year of life, or infant mortality rate (IMR), is a key indicator of a nation's health. Many factors affect IMR in the United States, including race and ethnicity. The 2020 U.S. Healthy People IMR target goal has been revised to 6.0 deaths per 1,000 births. In 2006, the IMR in New Jersey was 5.5 deaths per 1,000 births, ranging from 4.4 for Caucasians, to 11.5 for African Americans. ⋯ Race/ethnicity, marital status, and zip code of residence show significant impact upon infant mortality. Poverty and race/ethnicity are associated with increased IMRs and track to ZIP code.